I will be out of school today. Please complete the following:
Today Web 2/3 students will evaluate the projects. You will have two things to do:
We are entering the "weird period" of school. Today is a big field trip, we have AP tests, Thursday all juniors are at Take a Stand Day, Friday is the Prom, etc... Consequently attendance in class will be spotty. If you are out don't use it as an excuse. Just get the work done. If you are here and "done" find something to work on and learn. There is plenty to do.
Web 2/3:
Today all classes will be adding a survey to their website using Google Docs. Students will create the survey to collect information about their topic (Web 2/3--Flu, Web 4--School). They will track data in google docs and publish that data to their sites.
I found an interesting flu quote:
All classes will begin making their websites for their projects today.
First of all. Happy Star Wars Day.
So, I think we have some decisions to make. Here is some of the latest news:
Are we switching to H1N1?
Web 2/3:
Web 2/3:
Having computer issues? Fill out this survey.Web 2/3:
Internet was down until 8:07am, so this is a work in progress.....
My winners so far: KGargano's poster, AGrose website, PCorkery's podcast, and AGriffing's Flash.
Please submit your projects today. Answer the following questions in your blog:
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Yom HaShoah, a day of Remembrence, starts this evening. Your task is to create a digital work (Fireworks poster, Flash animation, Website, Movie maker file, Audacity podcast, etc...) that describes and teaches about this day. Keep it simple and on message.Today will be an odd day as so many of you will be out at various functions. Here is a list of things to do (choose one or all):
Complete your Flash replication today. Don't worry if it is not done or perfect. Be sure to save both the Flash document and export the movie to your folder. Then copy the folder to the Udrive as normal.
I got the impression that yesterday many of you unlocked the key to your Flash puzzles. I saw many leaders stepping forward to help classmates which was great. Notice there are many project-drafts in the UDrive.
First watch this movie about Color. I think its brilliant. Check out the movies and the lab. Think about all of the design choices, both with layout and the metrics of "what should we click on". These are some of the lessons we need to be applying in our websites and animations.
We will talk more about your exam tomorrow. Several of your classmates may be making up the exam today--keep the room quiet for them please.
Your exam must be done in one period. You must complete:
Our exam will be Wednesday April 1. Here is what you will need to know:
Today we will again practice reading, synthesizing, and writing. What is your message, and who is your audience? Don't forget many of your readers do not live in the United States and might be five years old or fifty.
I think this has been a good week. I have enjoyed watching you create your Fireworks products. As we transition from the more technical part of web design ("What does this button do?") to the creative side ("What emotion do I want to create?") many of you are struggling. This struggle is essential. Quality design does not come without sacrifice, thought, and perseverence.
Kids do stupid things and there could be serious consequences. Check out the blog today from Gadgetwise.
Here is the Fireworks challenge. You get one point for every successful challenge. Goal is five points but you can score up to seven (extra credit). If you submit five successful entries your grade is 5/5. Yes, you will have to move fast. Computers available after/before school and during study halls.
I enjoyed reading your blog posts about the TED talks. I had fun pushing some of you who are stuck in a pragmatic definition of life. Is life about "metabolic processes" or is it about having a soul? Keep watching, and keep reading.
Well, yesterday was brutal. I slept almost all day. I'm conscious today so I am here, but don't expect too much. By the time you read this I am either feeling fine or I am realizing it was a big mistake to come in.
We will continue the blogging challenge today. Can you make your blog a "must-read"?
I am generally happy with the work Web 2 and Web 3 did on their greeting card project. I would like to highlight a few things:
When you finish your greeting card please answer the following on your blog:
I'm going to post some cool tutorials (some hard, some easy) that you might decide to use for your project:
This is week is crazy as well. Period seven meets three times, period four meets twice, and period five meets, of course, five times. Hard to keep track.
Well, this week has been a bit of a challenge. A snow day, a snow delay, CAPT test, an assembly, and a trip to Boston for a track meet. Obviously I have decided not to assign new work this week as it would be almost impossible to keep track of. I think we will ease back into our regular schedule on Monday.
One of the most important skills we need to demonstrate is the ability to read and summarize complex information. The ability to communicate new ideas effectively to an audience can make you a valuable member of any organization. But it takes practice.
Like all of our work you need to think of the two questions: Who is my audience, and what do I need to say? For all of our summaries I ask that you write 50-100 words. Why? Because that is how we communicate now--in short messages. If you go to the front page of the New York Times or ESPN you will notice how these short blurbs are used to entice and attract readers. The ability to summarize is an essential component of web design.
Today's assignment is to choose ONE of the following articles and summarize it in your blog for your readers:
Be sure in your article to:
On a related note about "Bad things happen to ignorant people" you should all read this article before you decide what you post on your facebook account (or on someone else's!). Don't post, comment on, or upload anything unless you want it part of your public record forever. Also note that a professional image on these sites actually encouraged some people to get hired. You can use these sites to your advantage.
If you finish the blog posting and grading then move on to:You can also check out meez if you want to add an avatar to your site (which seems to be blocked at school right now...). You could also try voki.com. What image do you want to portray to the world?
Today I hope to get your blogs up and running, but that might be different for each class. We will also grade our progress on that current project.
We will continue our assignments today:
You will create a music video and it is due Friday. I expect you to create something that demonstrates your knowledge of Flash, is creative, and gets done on time. This should be fun.
Additional Flash assignments:
Web 2 and Web 3:
As you know, the website for the White House was redone when Obama took office.
There are four main criteria that we use to assess the validity of a website; bias, usability, accessibility, and ethics. Today we will focus on bias.
This is also an exercise in communication skills and page design. Can you get your point across effectively? Do you know your audience?
1. Class Discussion about bias
2. Read the following articles:
Gender Bias
Journalism Bias this is a longer article. Skim the whole thing (except the studies and theories of media bias section). Click on links that interest you.
More on gender bias. Skim the comments--this is how a blog is different, there is a conversation/debate happening.
3. Create a one page flyer in Dreamweaver that contains bias.
Girls: Boys are silly. Why can't they act right so I can get my work done? They should treat us with respect and not be so clueless.
Boys: Girls are silly. Why can't they act right so I can get my work done? They should treat men with respect and not be so clueless.
Think about your audience. Who are you writing it for? I am looking for two things. First, do you have good ideas and understand bias? Second, can you format the page well so you communicate these ideas? This is your first task in design.
This flyer must include the following:
Web 2 and 3:
Open your HTML book to project 1: Chiarevelle Pizza. This was a very simple code. As a HTML review I would like you to take this project and update it. Incorporate codes from later chapters such as tables, frames, image maps, etc... Possibly include a video as well. Do only as much as you can complete in two class periods.
Save to W Drive -- Class projects when done (bschneiderday1)
What will we cover? Web 4 (Project Based): We will enter the ThinkQuest competition as our 2nd semester project. This class is entirely project/studio based. We will begin today with some general work getting our folders and computer set-up. We will also discuss some general ideas about the class and how we operate. Appropriate use will start all of this off. We will review the rules for Internet use in the school. Today I also hope to get all students set-up with an iGoogle page. This will be your homepage and will contain your calendars, notebook, bookmarks, and assorted other widgets. I think it will increase your productivity to have all your information in one screen, accessible from any computer, and you can share this information. Why is that last part most important? Lets say you are all in AP History. If you create ONE calendar and share it then you do not have to individually enter assignments, it only has to be typed in by one person. In addition you can discuss and comment on any item ("What do you think will be on the test?...."). We will work on how to use these tools effectively.I wanted to say hello and to give a brief overview of some things we will be learning this semester. It is odd for me to write this today. I have looked at my class and know only a handful of you. I do not know what type of work you have created in the past. However, I am certain that I will push you to create, analyze, and innovate. I will ask you to do your best every day.
Web 2 (Dreamweaver): This is the 2nd level class. In this class you will learn more advanced techniques using the Dreamweaver program. We hope to incorporate work in animation and image manipulation as well. There will be a significant emphasis and collaborating with classmates and with people around the world.
Web 3 (Flash+): This the 3rd leavel class for students who completed Web 1 and Web 2. Your focus will largely be on creation and design. What makes an effective, usable website?
This all relates to our Standard 2 and Standard 6 of the ISTE standards: Collaboration and Communication andTechnology Operations and Concepts. We want you to understand the basics of how to set up an account, how to manipulate it, and how to share this information. I will assess this by observing that you post the correct information and log-in effectively.
I will probably adapt many of these items as we move through the day. This is always a work in progress.
To finish exam:
Google is stopping development of Google Notebook. It seems that it will still be available to current users. Should we switch to another service? You might want to check out Evernote or Zoho Notebook.
Here it is:
Tomorrow we will begin our exam. It is designed to take you about 2-3 hours of class time. Why do we have an exam?
1. Assess the students progress. Has the student mastered the skills required?
2. Assess the class/teacher progress. Has the class "missed" something? Does one class get it and the other doesn't? This is the data I analyze.
3. Compare this years class to previous years. Have the different methods and procedures I have used improved the class performance?
This is why I need everyone to take the exam and to do your best. I appreciate your effort and I am actually excited (believe it or not) to see what each of you produce.
Some reminders on what you need to be able to do (possible review points today??):
Internet Literacy:
1. Basic HTML set-up.
2. Insert images. Link pages. Create tables.
3. Create usable, accessible page.
4. Utilize basic tools (moviemaker, voki, google forms, etc...).
Web 2:
1. Create and manage a site.
2. Basic layout (without templates).
3. Insert images. Link pages. Create tables.
4. Create usable, accessible page.
5. Create citation page.
6. Create basic Flash documents.
7. Create an image map.
Web 3:
1. Create a basic Flash document.
2. Utilize buttons.
3. Insert sound.
4. Create usable, accessible page.
I'm trying to figure out how to get the video to play. I thought it had been unblocked.
Theo Jansen: Freaky. Mind-blowing. But pay attention. What is life? Can you make something that lives out of PVC pipe? He does. Cyborg alert!
Wear your headphones.
When done check out the educational games and simulations. Can you find any other quality games?
I am scrambling to get things done. I am moving fast on exam information and will have that tomorrow. I have to eliminate one component because of the time we have missed. I also need to have all of your grades. Several of you have not turned in a project (all grades posted on Edline). Last chance.
The importance of being able to write a coherent memo cannot be overstated. Today we will focus on the one page memo. You must be able to synthesize ideas and summarize them in a format easily read by both bosses and colleagues. This takes practice. A lot of practice.
The topic today might seem a bit odd; its you! I want you to write this memo to yourself. The topic? What skills must you learn in order to be competitive, productive, and happy in the 21st century world?
Be sure to follow the format and really, really organize your thoughts (Someone will ask--how long is the one page memo?) Post to blog when done. This is your final assignment. If you don't finish today please submit tonight for homework as we will probably start the exam work tomorrow.
This week will be about finishing some final tasks before exams.
Internet Literacy:
I'm about 2/3 through grading the semester projects. I ask that you check out: JKassay, JTryjada, EDieckman, KBarsevich, CWilm.
If for some unknown reason you didn't turn in your project--please don't talk about it, provide an excuse, etc...Put it in UDrive (on your own time) and accept the penalty.
As we endure tough times I read this article today about what tough times really look like. Be thankful for what you have.
I have been told that it might snow tomorrow. This will impact your project timeline.
"A" students: they don't care about the snow. They've finished their layout and are working on their content. They have plans for what they can do at home and bring in on Monday. They are using their google notebook and bookmarks and will do their citations and other items at home and save time at school for serious coding work. They might even bring their codes home so they can work on in them in HTML on Notepad on their computers. They will get it done.
"B/C" Students: they aren't sure there is enough time. They haven't done any work at home and haven't quite planned things out yet. They wonder how the A students are getting it done.
"D/F" Students: they don't care. They probably would turn it in late if they had 100 days to do it because they skip steps, or don't plan effectively.
People trust people that they can depend on (plumbers, doctors, salesman) and hate people who they can't depend on (plumbers who don't show up on time, etc...). We do projects to learn how to get things done well and done on time.
Finally, a reminder that your website must include a video with a voice over and you must only include creative commons images. Not doing this might be OK in your book, but it is NOT this assignment and you will be graded accordingly.
Be sure you have this link in your bookmarks as you search for information. Use tools effectively!
Good luck!
Interesting article in todays NYTimes about blindness that may relate to our Beethoven project.
Make sure you ahve checked out this article about the redesign of the ESPN site. Sounds like our project!! Do you read this article differently than you would have four months ago?
At this point in your project you should be rolling at full speed. You must be on step six by now. If not, I worry for you.
This is half your marking period grade and should demonstrate that you understand the basics of the class. Work hard.
Using Layers might be a useful tool for Web 2 and Web 3. Check it out.
A few reminders:
1. Everything on the page should relate to your main point.
2. Be careful that your page doesn't get too busy.
3. Don't include incoherent Flash movies that make it harder to access content.
4. Some of you love background colors. Please stop.
5. Finally, check out this website about usability that is almost entirely unusable.
Avoid design disasters!
Everyone must complete their storyboarding today. It is essential that you work on defining your main points. Many of you are having trouble with this.
Bad main point:
I want people to understand that situation in Darfur and how to effects so many people. (What situation? What effect?)
Good main point:
The genocide in Darfur is a tragedy that must be stopped. Please donate now. (Includes situation, action, and result).
Bad main point:
People drink coffee for many reasons and sometimes it is good for them and sometimes it is bad. (Huh?)
Good main point:
Coffee makes you stupid. (Clear thesis)
A clear main point will drive the path of your website. I will push you on this today in your discussion. If you can't articulate it well I am going to send it back. Remember, that articulating you main point is essential for any type of communication (music, poetry, essays, phone calls, etc...). I do not want your website to be a collection/list of facts. I want it to tell a coherent story that engages the viewer and encourages them to USE the site.
Today might be a good day to go back through your blog and check out websites that you thought were good. Why were they good? Did they have a consistent message? Was their "selling point" clear? If people don't understand what you are "selling" they certainly won't invest their time in your site.
On a side note: today is forecasted to be another wild ride as the auto bailout failed.
Darfur is still in the headlines. Here is the editorial from today's edition of the NY Times.
I'm back in school today but I am moving really, really slow. Be patient with me.
A few notes about your project:
1. Work as hard as you can now. Get work done at home. This will give you more time to work on your content.
2. Do you trust your sources? Why? There are thousands of caffeince studies out there. Be careful.
3. The Beethoven question is a brain/psychology question. It is not a biography of Beethoven question.
4. Who is the leading authority on Darfur? What reporter is there now and is most trusted? If you can answer that question you probably have the best information. Check out this site from Danbury HS. I just found this one which is , I think, done by 8th graders.
5. If you are doing the family member site please remember to tell us stories, don't just list ten facts about them (where born, how old, etc...).
6. Have you checked Times Topics? Think about how to search and I bet you will find great information.
Everyone today should be up to step 4 in the project (extra point if you do all three things for step 4)). Tomorrow I will pass out the storyboard template.
Well, you have probably figured out that I am home sick by now. I'm pretty sure this is another episode of the sinus infection. This is a pretty good one so I hope to rest most of the day.
Please post a blog entry today:
1. What topic did you choose? Why?
2. List two links that you have found useful so far.
Good luck!
Here is your semester project. This project is designed for you to demonstrate the skills you have picked up this semester. As we progress through the project I will be posting mini-assignments related to the project. I will also post research that I think might drive some of your discussion.
To insert Scratch into an HTML page:
1. You must have "scratchapplet.jar" in your folder. You can copy this file from the first folder of WebSchneider.
2. Check the file "sprite.htm". View source for code. You would sub your file name for "RH Piano.sb" in the code. (Blogger won't let me copy the code here...)
If TED is still blocked we will work today in Scratch. This lesson would have been next Monday.
Today we will examine the Scratch programming system. Scratch was developed at the MIT Media Lab (where Negroponte-the inventor of the One Laptop is from). I think it is intended primarily for younger students than you, but it does present some very complex programming concepts.
Check out some of the news about Scratch. Notice that much of the news is another language than English. Is there an assumption in the world of the inventor and business that you speak more than one language??
Here are some ideas to get started. You must do at least one of these.
Here is the Guide to Scratch.
So please test and play with this program today. Read some of the press, search for more information, check for blog references to the program. Be sure you complete at least one of the ideas.
Answer the following questions on your blog (include links!):
1. What did you do with Scratch today? Share any insights to the program that might help your classmates.
2. Is this a valuable program? What criteria should we use? Be specific! Use Web Design terms!!
3. For Web3: Compare Scratch to Flash.
